JP2005521007A - Adjustable insert for duct or bulkhead opening - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an adjustable insert (10) for use in a duct or aperture with a seal of the type including a flexible envelope for receiving an expansible or expanding filler material or gas for expanding the envelope in an aperture or a duct to be sealed. In one embodiment the insert comprises a non-continuous cylindrical circular cross-section component having a circumferential gap (12) between respective opposite end portions (14) of the insert. At least one of the end portions comprises a tapered inner and/or outer surface (26) for overlapping engagement with the adjacent end portion so that the diameter of the insert can be adjusted for insertion in a duct or aperture by adjusting the degree of overlap of the end portions against the radially outwards restoring force of the insert. The insert provides a continuous lining having a substantially continuous outer surface around the duct or aperture to be sealed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

  The present invention relates to adjustable inserts for reducing the cross-sectional area of ducts, partition wall apertures, and the like, and in particular in ducts or apertures to be sealed, in the duct wall or aperture periphery, and in ducts or apertures. For use with duct seals of the type that have a flexible envelope to receive gas or an inflatable or inflatable filler material for inflating the envelope, for any other component such as a cable, etc. Related to the insert.

  A seal of the type described above is disclosed in EP-A-0152696. In this previously published publication, the flexible envelope is wound and arranged in a form of wrapping itself (overlapping) for insertion into a duct or aperture to be sealed. The envelope receives an inflatable or inflatable filler material (filler material) to inflate the envelope relative to the duct or aperture and any other additional components disposed therein, such as cables. For opening). In one aspect, the envelope is in the form of a closed bag structure that wraps itself around the outer periphery of a component, such as one or more cables, that are coaxially disposed within the duct ( (Or surround). Adhesive or sealant is provided or attached to at least a portion of the outer surface of the envelope so that the envelope seals (or seals) the annular region between the cable and the duct upon expansion.

  A duct seal of the type disclosed in EP-A-0152696 can seal ducts with an inner diameter of up to 150 mm. If the inner diameter of the duct is greater than 150 mm, it is difficult to provide a sufficient seal using a seal of the kind described above by expanding the envelope.

  In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a type having a flexible envelope that accepts a gas or an inflatable or inflatable filler material (filling material) to inflate the envelope in a duct or aperture to be sealed. An adjustable insert for use in a duct or aperture with a seal of said at least one elastic member for insertion between said duct or aperture and said envelope, said 1 Or more elastic members have a pair of end portions at their opposite ends, at least one of the end portions overlapping an adjacent member or an adjacent end portion of the elastic member. Have tapered inner and / or outer surfaces that meet, thereby being continuous around the duct or aperture An adjustable insert is provided that is provided with a lining.

  The insert according to the above aspect of the present invention may provide a sufficient seal in such a duct when used in combination with an insert using a duct seal of the type described in EP-A-0152696. In addition, the diameter of the duct or aperture in the area of the seal (sealing) can be easily reduced. The overlapping nature of the insert provides an adjustment of the insert diameter, which can be adjusted to insert into the duct or aperture to be sealed. The tapered inner and / or outer surface at the overlapping end can ensure a water tight or gas tight seal in the overlapping region of the insert. The tapered inner surface can easily form a smooth transition between the overlapping end portions at the overlap portion, thus making contact with the inner surface of the duct or aperture into which the insert is inserted This creates a certain continuous outer surface around the insert. By providing a smooth transition to the overlapping region of the two end portions, the inner tapered surface can result in a stepped outer surface using the non-tapered end portion, It is also possible to prevent deformation of the insert material. Thus, the inner tapered surface can prevent the insert material from yielding in the region of the overlapping end, thereby preventing damage to the insert during insertion. This is an important feature especially when the insert is removed from the seal and then re-use.

  Preferably, the at least one elastic member has an arcuate shape and is suitable for insertion into a duct or aperture having a substantially circular cross section. This allows the insert diameter to be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the degree of overlap with respect to the circumferential rigid portion of the insert, so that the insert can be placed in a duct or aperture. It can be easily inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic member is elastically deflected (or biased) radially outward, and the biasing force exerts a force that separates the overlapping end portions. The insert can actually be placed in the duct or aperture by reducing the diameter of the insert against the restoring force of the insert for insertion into the duct or aperture. Thereafter, by releasing the restoring force, the insert expands radially such that the restoring force is pre-loaded on the insert within the duct or aperture, and the insert contacts the periphery of the duct or aperture.

  Preferably, all of the overlapping end portions are tapered (formed to be tapered) in the circumferential direction of the insert. By tapering both ends, the insert can be correctly inserted into the duct or aperture, independent of the overlapping relationship of the ends. That is, it can be inserted without having to consider which end portions overlap and which contact the duct or aperture. In a preferred embodiment, each tapered end of the overlapping pair is substantially symmetric.

  In other embodiments, each tapered end of the overlapping pair has a different perimeter. This can be advantageous when it is desired that the overlapping portion extends only to a tapered surface. In embodiments where the tapered surfaces have different lengths, the shape of overlapping when the insert is inserted, depending on the degree of overlap, so that the overlap extends only on one tapered inner surface Can be selected.

  Preferably, the radially inner surface of each tapered end has a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of curvature of the respective inner surface of the remaining portion of the arcuate member. This provides a taper with a relatively smooth transition between the inner surface of the insert and the tapered surface.

  In a preferred embodiment, the radially outer surface of each tapered end is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of each outer surface of the remainder of the arcuate member so that the outer surface is substantially continuous. Has a radius of curvature. This can improve the above-mentioned advantages with respect to sealing at the beginning of the overlap on the outer surface of the insert.

  Each end portion may have an edge portion at the circumferential end of the end portion, the edge portion being substantially straight so as to overlap and engage an adjacent end portion. Alternatively, it may have at least one tongue and groove to mechanically engage, overlap and engage with adjacent ends. If there is an arrangement of tongues and grooves, the degree of overlap is limited by the dimensions of the tongues and grooves in the circumferential direction of the overlap, but the edges are substantially straight There is no effective limit on the degree of overlap.

  In a preferred embodiment, each tapered end defines a tongue that extends circumferentially from each end of the elastic member. Since the tongues begin to overlap each other as soon as the diameter of the insert is reduced, the overlapping portions can be accurately aligned. This can be advantageous if further mechanical engagement means are provided on one or both sides of the tongue.

  The insert can be formed from one type of material. The material may be an elastomer including, for example, EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber), silicone or natural rubber. In other embodiments, the material of the insert may be a thermoplastic elastomer. The insert can have two or more layers of different materials or, for example, have two or more layers of the same material and having different stiffness or hardness properties You can also. The insert may have an inner layer and an outer layer, and the inner layer may have a higher stiffness than the outer layer.

  In other aspects, the insert can have an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer, and the intermediate layer can have a higher stiffness than the inner layer and the outer layer. Alternatively, the inner and outer layers can have similar (or the same) stiffness. In one aspect, the intermediate layer can have a reinforcing member embedded in a softer material, the softer material also including an inner layer and an outer layer. The reinforcing member may be a metal reinforcing material, which may be in the form of a spring ring. Alternatively, the reinforcing member can be provided by an elastomeric material having a higher hardness than the inner and outer layers.

  The insert can also have a foam (foam material) or a foam-like material (cellular material). The foaming rate of such materials is preferably relatively low so as not to have excessive compressibility. The insert material or at least the inner and outer layer materials preferably have a Shore A hardness in the range of 20-80.

  The insert is preferably a one-piece monolithic configuration that can wrap around itself. In other aspects, the insert can have two or more resilient members that can overlap and engage each other. For example, the insert may have a pair of generally C-shaped and elastic members that engage with each other to form two overlapping regions along the C-shaped arm portion. The invention also contemplates embodiments in which three or four or more elastic members are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the overlap portion is configured to provide an overlap of at least 10 degrees. The 10 degree overlap is suitable for inserts where the degree of diameter adjustment required for the insert is relatively small. In other embodiments, the overlapping portion is configured to provide an overlap of up to 360 degrees, or in other embodiments, an overlap greater than 360 degrees or multiple overlaps of 360 degrees is provided, so that the insert It may be configured to be able to wrap around itself. In embodiments in which the insert can be wound on itself at least 360 degrees, the second moment of area and cross-sectional area of the insert can be reduced to provide a more elastic and flexible insert. In a preferred embodiment, the wrapped (wrapped) insert is substantially cylindrical in shape, preferably circular cylindrical.

  Preferably, the insert further comprises sealing means on its outer surface and / or inner surface. The sealing means can have a sealant material, such as an adhesive or mastic sealant, applied to the inner surface or the outer surface or both. Alternatively, the sealing means can have at least one sealing member that rises on the inner and / or outer surface of the insert. The one or more sealing members may be in the form of one or more standing ribs that extend circumferentially around the inner and / or outer surface of the insert. In one aspect, the sealing member may be integral with the insert. In other embodiments, the sealing member can be removably attached onto the insert, for example, by means of snap-engaged interengagement or adhesive attachment.

  The insert has a large surface area on at least a portion of the inner surface and / or outer surface to increase the coefficient of friction between the duct / aperture or other member and the insert when inserted into the duct or aperture. It is also possible to provide an increased surface roughness.

  In a preferred embodiment, the inner and outer surfaces of the insert are provided for interengagement of the overlap portion to prevent the insert from sliding laterally while the insert is contracted or expanded circumferentially. At least a pair of interlocking engagement means is provided. This can also prevent the insert from sliding laterally in use, due to pressure applied from the outside, for example pressurized water of 0.3 bar. Preferably, the insert has a circumferential groove on the outer surface and a rib on the inner surface so that when the insert is overlapped, the geometric interengagement between the overlapping ends of the insert Can also bring Preferably, the grooves and ribs are applied such that two or more inserts are coaxially interengaged with each other so that the grooves on the outer surface of the inner insert and the ribs on the outer insert fit together. You can also. Another option (selectable mode) is the configuration of shafts that engage each other side by side. In a preferred embodiment, the interengaging mechanism can have at least one interengaging circumferential tongue and groove arrangement on the inner and outer surfaces of each insert. Preferably, the insert may further comprise a flange at one or both axial ends of the insert. By providing flanges on one or both sides of the insert, the installer can easily handle the insert manually when attaching the insert to a duct or aperture for use.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a flexible envelope for receiving a gas or an inflatable or inflatable filler material for inflating an envelope within a duct or aperture to be sealed. An adjustable insert for use in a duct or aperture with a type of seal is provided. The insert has at least one elastic member inserted between the envelope and the duct or aperture, the one or more elastic members having a pair of end portions at opposite ends thereof. And at least one of each end provides a substantially continuous transition from the inner surface of the duct or aperture to the inner surface of the insert when inserted into the duct or aperture. Has tapered inner and / or outer surfaces, thereby providing a non-continuous lining around the duct or aperture.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an adjustable insert for use in a duct or aperture is generally designated 10. This insert has a flexible envelope that accepts a gas for expanding the envelope or an expandable or expandable filler material (filling material) in the duct or aperture to be sealed. , 152,696 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) for use with seals of the type described. The seal of the present invention is suitable for insertion into a duct or aperture to be sealed using a seal of the type described above, where the duct or aperture to be sealed is a diameter or diameter that a flexible envelope can seal. It has a larger diameter or cross section than the cross section. The inserts of the present invention, particularly those shown in FIG. 1, are suitable for use with ducts or apertures having an inner diameter of 150 mm or more, preferably 210 mm or more, but for ducts that can be sealed using this insert. The range is not particularly limited. The thickness of the insert, that is, the radial dimension is preferably in the range of 15 mm to 30 mm. In this way, using an insert having a wall thickness of 25 mm, the insert can be inserted into a duct having an inner diameter of 200 mm to 150 mm to reduce the inner diameter of the duct. Similarly, and more preferably, two concentric inserts with a wall thickness of 5-30 mm can be used to seal ducts up to 210 mm in diameter.

  As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the insert 10 has a cylindrical shape as a whole. This insert is in the form of a non-integral ring (or non-continuous hoop), with a slight angle between the two opposing circumferential ends 14,14 of the cylindrical insert. A (small angle) circumferential gap 12 is provided. As can best be seen from FIG. 4, the insert has a substantially constant diameter and thickness over the majority of the circumference between the two end portions 14, the inner surface 16 and the outer surface. 18 are concentric with each other around the axis of the cylinder (cylindrical portion) 20. The radius of the outer surface 18 is constant over the entire surface between the two edges 22 at the ends of the two end portions 14. The radius of the inner surface 16 is constant between the two end portions 24, for example, over a range of about 300 degrees, where the radius of the inner surface gradually increases towards its end portion 22. It is enlarged and defines a tapered inner surface 26 between its two end portions 24. The portion of the tapered inner surface has a radius of curvature that is slightly smaller than the radius of curvature of the remaining portion of the inner surface 16.

  As can best be seen from FIG. 3, the end 14 between the edge 24 and the tip 22 has a first portion 28 closest to the edge 24 and a circumferentially extending tongue. The second portion 30 is formed in a shape. An arrangement of interlocking tongues and grooves 32, 34 is provided in the regions on both sides of the tongue (tongue), and the circumferential groove 32 is the outer side of the inner surface 16 around the circumferential direction. It is provided on the surface. As will be described in more detail in the following description, the ribs 34 are positioned in the respective grooves 32 when the diameters of the inserts are reduced by overlapping and engaging the end portions 14. In the insert of FIGS. 1 to 4, further meshing tongues and groove arrangements are provided around the circumference of the insert on both sides of the tongue 30.

  Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the insert of FIG. 5a is an insert of the type described in connection with FIGS. 1-4 and schematically shows an uncompressed configuration. In FIG. 5 b, the insert is placed in the aperture 40, which may be a duct aperture or other opening, and the insert ends may be connected to each other for insertion into the aperture 40. Push in adjacent ends to overlap and reduce the insert diameter. When the diameter of the insert is made smaller than the diameter of the aperture 40 for insertion and then released, the insert expands due to the restoring force of the deformed or compressed insert and engages the periphery of the aperture 40. As observed for FIG. 5 b, the overlapping end edge 22 contacts the periphery of the aperture and inserts a substantially continuous outer surface along the bond line at the edge 22 along a slight discontinuity. As shown, the tapered inner surface between the tip and the edge 24 provides a gradual transition in the overlapping portion of the insert. The elastic nature of the insert provides substantial engagement of the insert within the aperture, and the elasticity of the insert's material allows overlap and does not have discontinuities on the outer surface. It can be adapted to the required overlapping form.

  Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, an insert having a relatively thin cross-sectional thickness (radial thickness) is inserted into the aperture as shown in FIG. A suitable insert for forming overlapping inserts is shown. In this embodiment, the overlapping angle is approximately 900 degrees, and in this regard, the diameter of the unrolled insert is significantly greater than the diameter of the aperture into which the insert is inserted.

  In embodiments where the thickness of the insert is small relative to the perimeter of the attachment, the insert can be molded or extruded as an elongate strip.

  Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, another aspect of the present invention is shown, the insert having a pair of C-shaped elastic members 42, which are shown in FIGS. However, the un-compressed form defines an arc of approximately 180 degrees. In FIG. 7b, one of the elastic arched C-shaped members 42 is disposed inside the other, and is held in overlapping engagement by the outward resilience of the compressed and deformed member 42. Has been.

  Reference is now made to FIG. The insert of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 can be formed with a single material, or it can be construed as the embodiment shown in FIG. You can also. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the inner layer is formed with a relatively rigid and / or hard material, and the outer layer is formed with a relatively soft material.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the insert may have an embedded layer of reinforcing material 48, which may be a component such as a metal ring or spring or a relatively hard or rigid material. The reinforcing material 48 is embedded in a softer material 50, such as a relatively soft elastomer.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the insert has an inner layer 44, an outer layer 46 and an intermediate layer 52. The intermediate layer 52 has higher rigidity than the inner layer 44 and the outer layer 46, and the inner layer 44 and the outer layer 46 may be formed using a soft elastomer, and the intermediate layer may be formed using a hard elastomer. it can.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, at the end portion of the end portion 14, the straight edge portion 22 is splined to form a series of tongues and grooves 54 that engage with each other along the longitudinal direction of the end portion 14. It is castellated into shape. In this embodiment, the range for adjusting the diameter of the insert is limited by the circumferential depth of the tongue and groove.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the insert 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11 can be provided with radial flanges (radial flanges) at one or both axial ends thereof, as shown in FIG. In the figure, only one flange is shown. A radial flange is provided for easier insertion of an insert for manual manipulation to be inserted into the aperture 40.

  13a and 13b, the insert 10 differs from the above-described embodiment in that the radial thickness (wall thickness) of the insert varies along the outer periphery of the insert. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13a, the insert as a whole has a thicker mid portion 48 that extends approximately 180 degrees opposite the gap 12 of the insert. The tapered end 14 is substantially similar to that described above. In this embodiment, the insert has a pair of intermediate portions 50 that are thinner than the central portion 48. The intermediate portion extends between the central portion 48 and each end 14. It can best be seen in FIG. 13b with the insert of FIG. 13a placed in a duct or aperture of circular cross section, but at least part of the end 14 and the intermediate part 15 overlap (overlap). The overlapping portion has a thickness similar to the thickness of the central portion 48. In this way, by selecting an insert having suitable dimensions such that the intermediate portions 15 overlap sufficiently (completely) when inserting the insert, a substantially constant thickness within the duct or aperture. Linings can be formed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13b, the intermediate part is not completely overlapped, so that two thinner parts are formed in the radial direction on one side of the overlap.

Referring now to FIGS. 14a and 14b, in a further aspect of the invention, the insert as a whole has a radial thickness of the insert from the end portion 14 opposite the gap 12 from each end portion. It has a crescent shape that resembles a crescent moon in the sense that it gradually increases to a central portion of approximately equal distance. The cross section of the insert of FIGS. 14a and 14b shows that the substantially thinner intermediate portion 50 extends circumferentially from the thicker central portion 48 toward the respective end portion 14 in FIGS. 13a and 13b. Is similar, but not necessarily the same. However, in the arrangement of FIGS. 14a and 14b, the radial thickness of the insert cross-section varies as a whole in the circumferential direction of the crescent-shaped insert. This radial variation results in an eccentric lining around the duct or aperture during insertion of the insert, which on one side of the duct or aperture causes the insert to have a relatively large radial thickness. It can also be expressed that the thickness of the insert is relatively thin on the other side and is reduced to zero in the non-overlapping part. The inserts of FIGS. 14a and 14b are preferably dimensioned so that the gap 12 between the respective ends does not close when the insert is inserted into a duct or aperture. In this arrangement, the insert is compressed to reduce the outer circumference and radius of the insert so that it is inserted into a duct or aperture and closes the gap 12, but the end and / or intermediate portions are overlapped. Not enough. In this arrangement, the tapered end provides a smooth transition from the inner surface of the duct or aperture to the inner surface of the insert, as described above without having discontinuous portions on the lining and duct surface. A type of envelope or bag-type seal can be accommodated.
The various materials and features for the insert described with reference to FIGS. 1-13 apply equally to the embodiment of FIGS. 14a and 14b, with each end not overlapping, but when inserted, between the ends. Instead of maintaining a gap 12, a smooth inner surface that includes a portion of the inner surface of the insert and the inner surface of the duct or aperture can be formed to contact the envelope of a seal of the type described above.

  Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described aspects, and those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications without particular difficulty. It should be understood that For example, the present invention may have a generally square shape for use in ducts or apertures having a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an insert used in a duct or aperture in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the insert shown in FIG. 1 is overturned from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an end portion of the insert shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a side view of the insert shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic cross-sectional views of the insert shown in FIG. 1 before and after insertion into a duct or aperture. 6a and 6b are schematic cross-sectional views of the insert according to the second aspect of the present invention before and after being inserted into a duct or an aperture in the same manner as in FIGS. 5a and 5b. 7a and 7b are schematic cross-sectional views of the insert in the third aspect of the present invention before and after being inserted into a duct or an aperture. FIG. 8 is a side view of an insert according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an insert according to still another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an insert according to still another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an insert according to still another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an insert disposed in an aperture provided in a wall according to still another aspect of the present invention. 13a and 13b are schematic cross-sectional views before and after insertion into a duct or aperture for an insert according to still another aspect of the present invention. 14a and 14b are schematic cross-sectional views of an insert according to still another aspect of the present invention before and after being inserted into a duct or an aperture similarly to FIGS. 13a and 13b.

Claims (38)

  An adjustable insert for use in a duct or aperture with a seal of the type having a flexible envelope, the envelope receiving a gas or an inflatable or inflatable filler material and expanding to accommodate the duct or aperture The insert has at least one elastic member for insertion between the duct or aperture and the envelope, and the elastic member has a pair of end portions at opposite ends thereof. And at least one of the end portions has a tapered inner and / or outer surface that overlaps and engages the adjacent end portions of the elastic members or the end portions of the adjacent elastic members. An adjustable insert that provides a continuous lining around the duct or aperture.   The insert of claim 1, wherein the at least one resilient member has an arcuate shape and is adapted for insertion into a duct or aperture having a substantially circular cross section.   The insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the overlapping end portions are tapered in the circumferential direction of the insert.   4. An insert according to any preceding claim, wherein each pair of overlapping tapered ends is substantially symmetrical.   The insert according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each pair of tapered end portions or overlapping ends has a different circumferential length.   6. An insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the radially inner surface of each tapered end has a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of curvature of the respective inner surface of the remainder of the arcuate shaped member.   The radially outer surface of each tapered end has a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the respective outer surface of the remaining portion of the arcuate member, the outer surface being substantially continuous. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   Each end portion has an edge portion at a circumferential end of the end portion, and the edge portion is substantially linear so as to overlap and engage an adjacent end portion, or 8. An insert according to any one of the preceding claims having at least one tongue and groove arrangement to mechanically engage and overlap and engage adjacent ends.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each tapered end portion defines a tongue that protrudes from the elastic member and extends in a circumferential direction.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising one kind of material.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the insert has a plurality of layers with different material properties.   The insert according to claim 11, wherein the insert has an inner layer and an outer layer, and the inner layer has higher rigidity and / or hardness than the outer layer.   The insert according to claim 12, wherein the insert has an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer, and the intermediate layer has higher rigidity and / or hardness than the inner layer and the outer layer.   14. The insert according to claim 13, wherein the inner layer and the outer layer have the same degree of rigidity.   15. An insert according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the intermediate layer has a reinforcing member embedded in a softer material including the inner and outer layers.   The insert according to claim 15, wherein the reinforcing member comprises a metal or a hard elastomer material.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the insert comprises an elastomer material.   18. The insert of claim 17, wherein the elastomeric material includes EPDM, silicone or natural rubber.   The insert according to claim 17, wherein the elastomer is a thermoplastic elastomer.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the insert has a foam material or a cellular material.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 20, which has a hardness in the range of 20 to 80 in Shore A hardness.   The insert of claim 11, wherein the insert has at least two layers of the same material and different hardness characteristics.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the insert has a one-piece structure.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the insert includes two or more elastic members that overlap each other and engage with each other.   25. The insert according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the overlap portion is configured to provide an overlap of at least 10 degrees.   26. The insert of claim 25, wherein the overlap is configured to provide an overlap of 360 degrees or less.   26. The insert of claim 25, wherein the overlap portion is configured to provide an overlap of 900 degrees or less.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 27, which is substantially cylindrical.   28. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the insert is a substantially elongated strip.   30. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising sealing means on the outer surface and / or inner surface.   31. The insert according to claim 30, wherein the sealing means comprises a sealant material applied to the surface or has at least one sealing member rising on the surface.   32. The insert according to claim 31, wherein the sealing member is integral with the insert or is detachable from the insert.   The insert according to any of claims 1 to 32, wherein the outer surface and / or the inner surface of the insert has a friction-induced surface roughness characteristic.   The at least one pair of mutual engagement means is provided in the inner surface and the outer surface of the insert, and when the insert is compressed or expanded, the overlap portion is mutually engaged. The described insert.   35. The insert of claim 34, wherein the interengaging means comprises an arrangement of circumferential tongues and grooves that interengage on each of the inner and outer surfaces of the insert.   The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 35, further comprising a flange at one or both axial ends of the insert.   An insert substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. An adjustable insert for use with a type of seal having a flexible envelope within a duct or aperture, said envelope receiving a gas or an inflatable or inflatable filler material and inflating to expand the duct or aperture The insert has at least one elastic member for insertion between the duct or aperture and the envelope, and the elastic member has a pair of end portions at opposite ends thereof. And at least one of each end portion has a tapered inner side that, when inserted into the duct or aperture, provides a substantially continuous transition from the inner surface of the duct or aperture to the inner surface of the insert; and A discontinuous line around the duct or aperture. Adjustable insert ring is provided.

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